Kaitianite is an extremely rare titanium oxide mineral discovered within the Kaitian impact crater. It occurs as microscopic, opaque metallic grains associated with high-pressure impactites and is primarily of interest for advanced mineralogical study.
Is this kaitianite?
2-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch kaitianite with a known reference. Kaitianite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.
Often confused with
Kaitianite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kaitianite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kaitianite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ti₂TiO₅
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.29 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to subhedral grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In a CV3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite
Where rockhounds find kaitianite
Classic worldwide localities
- Allende CV3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite (fallen near Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico on February 8th, 1969)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a CV3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite. If you start seeing tistarite, rutile, ti-xifengite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kaitianite?+
Where is kaitianite found?+
What rocks look like kaitianite?+
What minerals are found with kaitianite?+
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What is kaitianite used for?+
Find kaitianite on the map
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